FAQ

More Frequently Asked Questions specific to the Graduate Program application process are in our Application Procedures section.

How many women are graduate students in Biology?

Women comprise 49% of our graduate students and 20% of our faculty. If you have specific questions about women's issues at MIT, email gradbio@mit.edu and we will arrange for a female student in our graduate program to contact you directly.

What's it like to be a minority at MIT?

Although under-represented minorities comprise a modest fraction of our graduate students and faculty, minority students with a wide range of backgrounds have flourished here. Currently the number of minority graduate students in the Biology program is 10%. If you have specific questions about issues concerning minority students, email gradbio@mit.edu, and we will arrange for a minority graduate student to contact you directly.

Inquiries can also be directed to Eboney Hearn at ehearn@mit.edu in the MIT Office of the Dean for Graduate Education.

What's the housing situation?

On-campus housing options are available for single students, married students, and full-time couples, with priority given to first-year students. Many graduate students live off campus, primarily in the nearby neighborhoods of Cambridge, Boston, Somerville, and Arlington. The MBTA bus and subway systems make commuting easy. For questions, contact the Graduate Housing Office, MIT, E32-133, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307, 617-253-5148, or email graduatehousing@mit.edu.

Why should I be a teaching assistant if I'm not interested in a teaching career?

Because learning to teach effectively means learning to communicate effectively, and having superior communication skills is essential to success in any career. Teaching is one of the best ways to improve communication and interaction skills. It's also amazingly rewarding to explain something to a student and see the light go on.